DUP Leader Criticizes Equality Commission

DUP leader, Peter Robinson, has commented that the Equality Commission in the north is "unrepresentative of society in Northern Ireland" and must change.

Robinson's comment stems from the fact that only 34% of its staff are Protestant, and none of the commissioners would "share the views" of DUP voters.

He was keen to point out that there will be a chance to even up the scales of equality in September when four commissioner posts are filled. "This is an opportunity for the secretary of state to address the shameful past legacy of this body," he said.

Robinson expressed these views after a meeting with the commission, but the commission is adamant that it is committed to the needs of the community as a whole.

In a statement a spokesman said the commission had clearly and publicly stated that, "We want a workforce whose composition more fully reflects the society in which we live. As far as community background is concerned, the commission is doing everything that the law allows to increase successful applications from Protestants. That includes offering free, independent training on a religion-specific basis, exclusively for Protestants. This the first time that such a step has been taken by any employer in Northern Ireland."